Few people are as important to the history of the Miami Heat as Pat Riley.
Since joining the team back in 1995, Riley has been the mastermind behind some of their biggest moves and greatest successes.
But according to him, there is only one man who should be considered the greatest of all time for the Heat: Dwyane Wade.
And speaking with ESPN, Wade said that he agreed with Riley’s recent claim that he’s the GOAT:
“Well, he’s right. I played there for almost 15 years. I put on for that city. I gave everything to the community. I have everything to that game. I sacrificed everything that I could to make sure that we reached the levels that we wanted to reach.”
When he puts it like that, it’s hard to disagree with Wade.
He was in the league for 16 seasons and spent the vast majority of that time with the Heat.
During that time, he racked up 13 All-Star and 8 All-NBA selections.
He was also a member of the three All-Defensive teams, named the 2008-09 scoring champion, and won three Finals for Miami.
A lot of big talent came and went to the Heat and Wade remained the steadfast center of it all.
Through thick and thin, good times and bad, Wade stuck it out with the Heat.
When you look at how the fans treat Wade even years after his retirement, you can see just how crucial he was to the team.
He is still celebrated like the champion that he is and it’s clear the fans will always hold a very special place in their hearts for him.
Not many teams have a unanimous GOAT – usually, there is always debate about which player is the best to ever wear the jersey.
But the consensus around Wade being the best Heat member of all time is pretty strong – and only growing.
NEXT: Dwyane Wade Reveals The Story Behind His Nickname
